Last week it was announced that the Capitol Riverfront BID has received a 2011 Public Art Building Community Grant. The grant will help install the proposed Water Pylons art project - a painted and lighted art enhancement for the New Jersey Avenue Southeast underpass.

Water Pylons will transform the underpass into a modern representation of water that announces New Jersey Avenue as a gateway to the Capitol Riverfront community. The 18 Freeway support columns visible from New Jersey Avenue, SE will be painted varying shades of blue, the color most often associated with water. The painted blue pylons will reference the neighborhood's waterfront in an abstract theme that is distinct and surprising, but not distracting to motorists or pedestrians.

The bright, reflective blue paints will create a cleaner, brighter, and more visually appealing underpass environment. In addition, four LED overhead lights mounted at the entrance and exit of the underpass will add illumination and reflections of the art. The goal of the art project is to improve the look, feel, and experience of traveling into and out of the Capitol Riverfront along New Jersey Avenue, SE, while also creating unique gateway art that represents the identity, sense of place and community in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood. Project schedule includes public meetings in March and April 2011 and final installation completed by Sept 2011.

Eagle Academy Breakfasts at the Courtyard Marriott

Eagle Academy's 2nd Grade Students from Ms. Lucas & Ms. White's Class were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the Courtyard by Marriott Capitol Hill / Navy Yard and breakfast prepared by the Marriott kitchen staff. Marriott General Manager Wyatt Cardwell with Director of Sales Ellen Mullings, organized this tour and buffet breakfast of omelets, waffles and other offerings cooked by Marriott Chef Raul and General Manager Wyatt. Students were able to select their omelet ingredients and a few were able to cook their own! After eating in the Marriott's Dugout Lounge the children toured the indoor pool and the big freezer in the kitchen.

Marriott has a philosophy every community will be a better place to live and work because Marriott is there. Their 'Spirit to Serve' is practiced regularly through a variety of community activities including food and clothing drives to benefit local organizations, as well as mentoring and job shadowing programs between the hotel and various DC schools. Ms. Mullings said they are looking forward to this breakfast being a regular event with the youth in our community.

Anacostia Community Boathouse Glows Red this Winter

This has been a big year for Anacostia Community Boathouse Association and they are glowing with excitement about 2011. In the past, ACBA ran white lights around the edges of the old boathouse during the holiday season. This year they did something a little different, the big white tent is glowing red. Take an evening drive over the Pennsylvania Avenue Bridge to enjoy the view of their red boathouse. The ACBA is made up of 10 member organizations. Through a grassroots effort stretching back nearly 20 years, the boathouse has grown to host numerous community programs, regattas, and events. Learn more about the ACBA at their website: http://www.anacostiaboathouse.org/

New Years Eve Night Out at the Trapeze School

Trapeze School New York (TSNY) Washington DC along with ReadySetDC organized a successful New Years Eve event at the trapeze school, located at 4th St SE and Tingey Street, SE. The event was attended by approximately 200 guests who partied the night away under a net filled with balloons and lights. The night featured several of the trapeze school's staff and students on aerial fabric. The aerialists were not the only performers. Music was performed by DJ Adrian Loving and Chelsey Green & The Green Project, as well as dance performances by the AWR b-boys. The midnight countdown was marked by a choreographed drop of the aerialists themselves! The photo to the left was taken by Jim Darling ofReadySetDC. For opportunities to learn how to fly, see there website here.

Development Update

Harry's Reserve Fine Wine and Spirits is finalizing their interior and has put up two signs outside of their location, 909 at Capitol Yards.

The 400,000 SF office development at 1015 Half Street is almost complete, with streetscape now installed around the building. For leasing opportunities contact Phillip Thomas or Scott Killie.

In case you missed it... 20 M Street is now 97% leased with tenants beginning to occupy the space in the coming months.

Faces of the Front: Mandy Jacobson Keithan, Trapeze School New York DCThe Capitol Riverfront BID is highlighting people who live and/or work in the neighborhood as part of "Faces of the Front." Each newsletter will feature a different person and their story. All the profiles can be found on our website here. If you would like to be considered or would like to nominate someone else as a future Face of the Front, let us know here.

Mandy Jacobson Keithan, and her husband Rob both work at Trapeze School New York (TSNY), Washington DC - the big white tent at 4th and Tingey SE. The Trapeze School opened in the Capitol Riverfront in February of 2010. Since then, TSNY brings Mandy to the neighborhood, teaching or training, 6 days a week. "I love being right on the water; the trapeze tent is on one end of the beautiful waterfront park" said Mandy, "In addition, I'm hooked on the sandwiches and natural treats from Cornercopia. This summer whenever I ordered a sandwich with basil they would pick it fresh off the plant. For awhile I was there two to three times a week."

Mandy thinks that the Front has been a welcoming community for the Trapeze School, with everyone, from neighbors walking dogs to the folks working nearby, coming by to watch people fly. Many people watch for awhile, snag a brochure, and imagine themselves up in the air. "Trapeze is certainly what brought me into the neighborhood, but I quickly became attached to the feel of the Capitol Riverfront and the people and pets here," said Mandy. She added that after trapeze shows at TSNY, you can normally find wildly the costumed circus folk at The Ugly Mug on Barracks Row or at Cantina Marina at the Southwest Waterfront.

Mandy said that "My hope for the neighborhood is the same as my hope for most of DC; that it keeps the unique character of each community while building and sustaining access to great food, entertainment, and local business. During the opening weekend of the riverfront park, the streets were full of folks picnicing, exercising, and playing on the grass. I'd love for the neighborhood to feel like that every day!"

Most days, Mandy notices a new window being installed or a new tree being planted. She said "I have a front row seat as the plans become reality. Most recently, we've enjoyed the new sidewalks and greenery around the tent, and a brand new bench with a great view of our outdoor rig." TSNY is teaching classes inside all winter long, and as of the first of May they will be out in the open air again. Come by and watch or learn how to fly! A link to the TSNY website can be found here.